“nice guys finish last”
The famous quote, essentially espousing victory at any price, attributed to Leo Durocher on July 5, 1946, when he was managing the Brooklyn Dodgers. In …
split squad
A spring-training team comprising part of a team’s roster, esp. when the team plays exhibition games in two different locales on the same day. Abbrev. …
Cactus League
Commonly used nickname for the major-league teams that conduct spring training and play exhibition games against each other in the southwestern United States. After teams …
Grapefruit League
The name for the major-league teams that conduct spring training and play exhibition games against each other in Florida. “Florida’s so-called Grapefruit League baseball season …
pitchers and catchers report
The metaphoric message that spring has arrived, spring training will start, and the season is on its way. Pitchers and catchers invited to spring training …
hot stove league
The gab, gossip, and debate that take place during the winter months when baseball is not being played. These discussions replaying the past season …
dugout
An enclosure for the seating facilities reserved for players (when they are not in the field), team members in uniform (manager, coaches), and the trainer. …
farm club
A minor-league baseball club owned by or having an agreement with a major-league team for the purposes of developing young or inexperienced players and retaining …
delayed steal
A stolen base on which the runner advances to the next base after the pitch; e.g., when the catcher throws the ball back to the …
squeeze play
An offensive maneuver in which the batter tries to score the runner on third base by bunting neatly such that any play at the plate …
North Siders
The Chicago Cubs. Wrigley Field is located in the North Side of Chicago.
pitcher of record
The pitcher who is charged with a win or loss, even if he has been removed from the game. A pitcher who has been removed …